AllYouCanTech

Reports Indicate Hazardous Asteroid Might Strike the Moon Rather Than Earth

# **City-Killer Asteroid 2024 YR4: Could It Strike the Moon Instead of Earth?**

A colossal asteroid, referred to as **2024 YR4**, has been recognized as a potential hazard to Earth. However, fresh assessments imply that rather than impacting our planet, this **city-killer asteroid** might collide with the Moon during its next approach in **2032**. While the likelihood of such an event is minimal, it has generated excitement among astronomers and space admirers.

## **What Is Asteroid 2024 YR4?**
Asteroid **2024 YR4** is a celestial body with a size of about **180 feet (55 meters) in diameter**. It was initially discovered by astronomers monitoring near-Earth entities (NEOs) that might intersect with our planet. Currently, the asteroid is moving at an incredible velocity of **30,000 mph (48,000 kph)**.

Early estimations indicated that **2024 YR4 had a 1-in-43 chance (2.3%) of impacting Earth on December 22, 2032**. Nevertheless, recent revisions show that it also holds a **0.3% chance of hitting the Moon**.

## **What Would Occur If It Struck Earth?**
Should **2024 YR4** collide with Earth, the aftermath could be devastating. Scientists project that the impact would unleash **8 megatons of energy**, equating to **500 times the force of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima**. Such a blast could **obliterate an entire city**, resulting in widespread devastation and loss of life.

Fortunately, the probability of an Earth strike remains slim, and astronomers are vigilantly observing the asteroid’s path.

## **What If It Collides with the Moon Instead?**
Even though the likelihood of the asteroid hitting the Moon is even slimmer than the risk of an Earth impact, the occurrence would still be **awe-inspiring**. According to **David Rankin**, an operations engineer at the University of Arizona’s Catalina Sky Survey, if **2024 YR4** were to impact the Moon, the explosion would be **observable from Earth**.

The impact would unleash energy comparable to **340 Hiroshima bombs**, resulting in a **huge explosion on the lunar surface**. Scientists estimate it would create a **1.2-mile-wide (2-km) crater**. However, considering the Moon’s past of cosmic impacts, this would not significantly alter its look.

## **Would It Endanger Earth?**
Despite the potential for a **stunning explosion**, experts assert there is **no genuine threat to Earth** if the asteroid were to strike the Moon. Some debris could be propelled from the impact, but **most of it would incinerate in Earth’s atmosphere** before reaching the ground.

As stated by **Gareth Collins**, a professor of planetary science at Imperial College London, any material that does arrive on Earth would probably be too small to pose any danger.

## **Concluding Thoughts**
While the concept of an asteroid impact—on either Earth or the Moon—can be unsettling, existing data indicates that **2024 YR4 is more likely to evade both destinations**. Nevertheless, astronomers will persist in monitoring its trajectory to identify any possible threats early on.

For the moment, space fans can only ponder the chance of witnessing a **colossal lunar explosion** in 2032. Whether it strikes the Moon or not, **2024 YR4 highlights the significance of asteroid observation and planetary defense strategies**.

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Interested in learning more about asteroid observation and NASA’s planetary defense programs? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🚀🌑

Apple Maps Might Soon Roll Out Advertisements

# **Apple Maps Advertising: A New Chapter for the Navigation Application?**

For many years, **Apple Maps** has stood out as one of the few navigation applications devoid of advertisements in the market. In contrast to rivals like **Google Maps** and **Yelp**, which have integrated ads into their services for quite some time, Apple has chosen to avoid this direction. Yet, recent indications hint that this could soon change.

## **Apple’s Intent to Implement Ads in Maps**

As reported by **Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman**, Apple has had internal discussions regarding the potential introduction of ads within **Apple Maps**. Although there is presently **“no timeline or active engineering”** in place for this initiative, the company has allegedly informed its employees that it is **considering** the notion.

The anticipated advertisements would likely manifest as **paid search results**, akin to the way businesses can promote themselves on **Google Maps** or **Yelp**. Thus, when users search for eateries, shops, or other venues, businesses that invest in advertising could surface at the top of the results list.

## **A Long-Expected Development?**

This isn’t the first instance of **Apple Maps ads** making headlines. Back in 2022, Gurman conveyed that Apple was actively pursuing the implementation of **search ads** within the application, aiming for a rollout the next year. Nonetheless, that forecast did not come to fruition.

Fast forward to 2025, and the concept seems to have resurfaced. If Apple proceeds with this initiative, it would signify a notable transformation in the company’s strategy for monetizing its services.

## **How Would Ads Operate in Apple Maps?**

If Apple adopts the approach utilized by its competitors, the advertisements would likely function in the following ways:

– **Sponsored Listings** – Businesses could invest in appearing at the forefront of search results when users seek specific services or locations.
– **Promoted Locations** – Certain establishments might be showcased on the map with distinctive markers or banners.
– **Personalized Ads** – Apple could leverage user data (while upholding privacy measures) to display pertinent ads based on location and user preferences.

## **Why Is Apple Opting for Ads Now?**

In recent years, Apple has broadened its advertising ventures by introducing ads in the **App Store, Apple News, and Apple TV+**. Integrating ads into Apple Maps would be a logical progression, enabling the company to earn supplementary revenue from one of its most popular applications.

Moreover, Apple is reportedly working on an **ad-supported tier for Apple TV+**, in line with trends established by streaming platforms like **Netflix and Disney+**. This hints at Apple’s growing willingness to integrate advertisements into its ecosystem.

## **Implications for Users**

Currently, Apple Maps remains **ad-free**, but should the company advance with this initiative, users might soon notice **sponsored search results** in the app. While this could enhance visibility for businesses, some users may have reservations about its effects on app usability and overall experience.

Apple has a reputation for prioritizing **user experience and privacy**, so if ads are introduced to Apple Maps, they will likely be crafted to be **subtle and pertinent**. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain how users will respond to this shift.

## **Concluding Thoughts**

Apple Maps has consistently been an outlier in the realm of navigation applications by staying ad-free. However, as Apple investigates new avenues to **monetize its services**, the likelihood of introducing ads in Maps appears to be increasing.

Though there is no set timeline for this transition, users should brace themselves for the possibility of **sponsored search results** emerging in Apple Maps soon. Whether this development will enhance or diminish the user experience will hinge on how Apple executes it.

Would you be receptive to ads in Apple Maps, or do you favor an ad-free navigation experience? Share your insights with us! 🚗📍